ALAN SHEARER has backed his former England Newcastle United team-mate Stuart Pearce to lead Great Britain to Olympic glory.

‘Psycho’ will lead out Team GB during the and faces a hectic period in the next few weeks to whittle down an 80-man shortlist to 18 players.

The ex-Nottingham Forest skipper must also get the balancing act exactly right with Euro 2012 and pre-season scheduling for Premier League clubs also leaving him with a difficult task.

The Chronicle understands that United stars such as Steven Taylor and Sammy Ameobi have been under consideration, but during the tournament the Magpies will be both on tour and face potential Europa League play-offs in early August.

The final of the Olympic football is on August 10 – a week before the Premier League kicks off next season.

With a club v country battle already developing between Arsenal and Team GB for the inclusion of Jack Wilshere, Pearce faces the wrath of top-flight bosses.

However, no matter who his final 18 are, Shearer feels that Pearce won’t be taking Team GB there to make up the numbers.

He told the Chronicle: “I know what Stuart is like – he'll want to win it.

“I've played with him for England and at Newcastle.

“I know him reasonably well and there are few more passionate guys than he is.”

Shearer feels that Britain could clinch Olympic gold.

He said: “Great Britain will go in with a realistic chance. When you look at some of the names then we'll go in with a real opportunity.”